Police link church copper thefts to county buildings

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Detectives say three church copper thefts could be connected to a string of other thefts at public buildings in DeKalb County.

The county buildings that were hit were recreation centers and libraries.

Authorities said the Wesley Chapel Library has been closed for weeks because the facility doesn't have any air conditioning. Channel 2’s Erica Byfield found signs in the window about the closure.

The three churches that were hit are in the Stone Mountain or Decatur areas.

Thieves hit an AME church on South Hairston Road, Green Pastures Christian Church on Flat Shoals Parkway and Hillcrest Church of Christ on Snapfinger Road.

Police recovered some of the stolen copper Monday at a home but officers are still searching for the people who stole it.

“We are in the process of identifying who they are because we certainly do have strong reason to believe that they are the ones who are criminally involved in the theft of the copper from these county facilities,” said DeKalb Chief of Police Cedric Alexander.

Detectives are looking for two people.

The pastor of one of the churches said the theft is costing his congregation $45,000, not to mention they feel violated.